Former candidate for state office accused of theft

Dale Peterson

HOOVER - AL —

A former candidate for Alabama agriculture commissioner is facing a theft charge, less than six months after he was accused of a similar crime.{}

Dale Peterson is accused of eating cashew nuts at a Hoover Sam's Club, putting the empty can back on the store shelf and walking out without paying.{} Peterson was booked into the Hoover City Jail shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of third-degree property theft and released three hours later on a $1,000 bond.{}

In October, he was accused of not paying for items at a Hoover Walmart and charged with theft.{} That case has not yet gone to trial.{}